asked the Minister for Energy the progress that has been made towards the provision of natural gas to Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
378.
Vol. 356 No. 11
asked the Minister for Energy the progress that has been made towards the provision of natural gas to Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
378.
asked the Minister for Energy if it is his intention to approve the application of Kilkenny Gas Company for the supply of natural gas as a matter of urgency to 700 consumers and a major industry in the Kilkenny city area in view of recent developments.
379.
asked the Minister for Energy if he is aware that up to 700 households in Kilkenny city will be left without cooking facilities if the proposed closure of Kilkenny Gas Company goes ahead on 22 March, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 377,378 and 379 together. As Minister for Energy my responsibility is to ensure development of the natural gas grid in accordance with sound commercial principles, In this context proposals for the supply of natural gas to Kilkenny Gas Company and to a substantial industry in the area have been under consideration for some time. Up to now it has not been possible to reach agreement with either of them on supply terms consistent with Government policy. Recently they decided to resume negotiations with BGE but I am not in a position to forecast what the outcome may be.